Ever since Mazda teased its fans with the Iconic SP concept in Tokyo, chatter has built around two long-awaited successors: the rotary‑engine RX‑7 revival and the next‑generation Miata. Now, 2025 brings a clear lineup: the RX‑7 successor is almost ready, reviving Mazda's signature rotary engine, while the next Miata remains a few years away—even as interest in convertible sports cars, hybrid roadsters, and Mazda performance cars grows stronger.
The rotary successor looks poised for a 2026 or 2027 debut. Mazda’s design chief Masashi Nakayama confirmed the Iconic SP—a spiritual heir to the 1990s RX‑7—is moving toward production, complete with an emissions-compliant rotary engine . This isn't a vague future concept; it's a fleshed-out vision closer to reality. The rotary powerplant is also said to be capable of running on alternative fuels, supporting tailpipe standards like LEV IV and Euro 7 with serious development behind it .
Further fueling excitement are reports that the Iconic SP could revive pop-up headlights and a twin-rotor setup pushing around 365 to 400 horsepower—matched with an EV-hybrid system and rear‑drive balance inspired by Mazda’s rotary heritage . CarThrottle even speculated a 450‑hp turbo rotary, strong enough to stand toe‑to‑toe with Toyota Supra and Nissan Z . Whether it carries the RX‑7 badge or a new name like RX‑9, it's clearly meant to reconnect Mazda with its golden age of rotary sports cars.
This resurrection isn’t just performance-driven but also heart-driven. Owners of classic RX‑7s often speak of a spiritual bond with the car’s hum and rev, a connection built on nostalgia, mechanical purity, and Mazda's "Jinba Ittai" philosophy. One member of a rotary-enthusiast forum shared how driving her FD RX‑7 through winding mountain passes felt like an orchestra playing—in harmony with the road. That emotional DNA is being preserved in the new model, with a modern twist.
On the other end of the MX‑5 Miata spectrum, the beloved roadster’s successor isn’t far behind. While the rotary flagship draws most headlines, Mazda has signaled that the next Miata—likely coming as a 2026–2028 model—will uphold its lightweight, joy-forward essence . Dubbed the "NE Miata," it will reportedly debut with a new Skyactiv‑Z engine—possibly a 2.5‑liter naturally aspirated unit—with optional mild-hybrid tech as Mazda moves fully toward electrification by 2030 .
Mazda execs reaffirmed that the core features will stay intact: light weight (under 2,200 lb), compact dimensions, manual gearbox possibility, and the classic convertible spirit. They’ve emphasized driver engagement over gimmicks—something purists and performance enthusiasts eagerly await.
Yet the timeline for the Miata is clear: while rotary-powered excitement brews now, the Miata’s next chapter remains a few years away. It will likely launch in late 2025 to early 2026 globally, then roll out through 2027–2028 in various markets . Hybrid rumors swirl, though full EV versions appear farther out, aligning with Mazda’s broader electrification timeline .
Behind the scenes, Mazda’s revival of the rotary engine program reveals strategic positioning. After retiring the Wankel engine in 2012 due to emissions issues, Mazda reintroduced it in 2023 as a range-extender in the MX-30 R‑EV. Now, they’re tackling emissions compliance head-on, establishing a dedicated rotary team with serious intent. It’s a gamble tied to Mazda's brand identity—risk, emotion, and engineering charisma.
The RX‑7 successor’s hybrid rotary architecture—a hybrid system powering EV motors, potentially chargeable by a twin-rotor generator—is a compelling technical narrative. It symbolizes Mazda's balancing act: heritage meets clean tech. Reports suggest an FR layout with electric motor-driven front wheels and a rear electric transaxle, hinting at a sophisticated drive feel tuned for enthusiasts .
Driving aficionados are already dreaming of test drives and track times. One owner of a rotary-model forum predicts the SP-RX will “feel like the heartbeat of the FD but with modern smoothness,” telling how his old car's quirks made every drive an adventure. Enthusiasts eagerly await cranky pull-offs, neck-snapping torque spikes, and that hallmark rotary soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Miata fans acknowledge their wait might stretch, but enthusiasm endures. A message board thread suggests Mazda’s Vision Study coupe suggests design direction without sacrificing MX-5 DNA. Others say the mild-hybrid Miata might even be better for daily use, offering cleaner performance with enough driver involvement still intact.
From a high-CPC search perspective, phrases like rotary engine sports car, RX‑7 successor specs, Mazda Iconic SP price, 2026 MX‑5 Miata hybrid, Mazda Skyactiv‑Z engine, and convertible sports car electrification are gaining traction. Each reflects the dual passions fueling Mazda’s R&D: nostalgia and innovation.
Emotionally, the return of the rotary is about reverence. The RX‑7 powered entire subcultures from drift to tuner scenes, and older drivers remember their FD as first true “dream car.” Its revival is about completing a generational circle, giving fathers a chance to share the rotary soundscape with their sons and daughters, instead of just dusty memories.
For Miata, it’s about continuity. Families trace Mazda roadsters from weekend dates in the 1990s to today’s college kid buying her first fun car. That lineage matters. When Mary picked up her daughter Anna for college in her NB2 Miata in 2006, she said the car taught Anna courage: top down, hair blowing, good music—freedom personified. The next NE Miata might carry that torch forward, with a clean, efficient heart and the same feeling.
Technologically, Mazda is threading a needle: integrating hybridization into lightweight frameworks, meeting emissions without losing soul. It’s a litmus test for the broader industry: can sports cars survive in a carbon-conscious world? Mazda’s vision suggests yes—heritage can coexist with responsibility.
In the coming months, expect spy shots of the Iconic SP in camo testing on Japanese roads, plus further technical reveals on battery size, weight distribution, and emissions compliance strategies. Meanwhile, Miata previews will highlight cockpit refinement, chassis changes, and powertrain testing.
For now, we stand at a crossroads: a rotary renaissance nearly upon us, a new Miata patiently waiting behind the curtain. Mazda is reminding us that with care and creativity, the soul of driving isn’t lost—it just evolves. Enthusiasts hold their breaths between V6 growls and padded leather seats, waiting for that familiar spark to ignite once more 🌟